What Causes Several Bowel Movements In A Day?

Posted on Wed, 30 Nov 2016

Question: I am 37 years old and since I can remember I have always had about 6 bowel movements a day and my stools are not thick. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Further evaluation advised

Detailed Answer:
hi.
thanks for posting query at HCM.

as per your posted question;.you have six bowel movements/day since a considerable time.

therefore; i recommend you to have some tests - results of which will direct towards further course of action

1. blood routine test ( full blood cell count)
2. stool lactoferrin test
3. fecal occult blood test
4. erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR)

also let me know if:
you had weight loss lately?
abdominal pain?
gross blood ever observed in stool?
any food intolerance?

meanwhile advise
try to avoid food that precipitates the current symptoms
include plain yogurt in meals
eat low-fiber diet
avoid junk food and canned food

regards
dr Tayyab Malik

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY

Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (18 minutes later)

I have had no weight loss. No gross blood in stool. No abdominal pain and no known food intolerances. I am worried the narrow stool could be colon cancer.

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Colon Cancer is extremely UNLiKely

Detailed Answer:
hi.
thanks for getting back.

as per your current clinical scenario ; you merely have increased frequency of bowel movements. cancer is extremely UNLiKely.
however, tests in previous answer are advised to exclude chronic inflammatory diseases.

hope to answer your concern.
further questions are welcomed
regards

Dr tayyab Malik

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY

Follow up: Dr. Tayyab Malik (31 minutes later)

My main concern is the narrow stool. Would that be a cause of alarm or is it narrow becuse I go so frequently? I had read that because the transit time of my food is so fast the poop comes out narrower is that true?

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Currently; increased Frequency of BM should be more concerning

Detailed Answer:
hi.
thanks for posting query and elaborating concern.

narrow stool consistency should NOT be much concerning if its semi-solid and not very painful to pass out.

to the best of my knowledge and observation; frequency should be more concerning as per your cuurent clinical presentation.

and narrow stool or increased frequency is NOT an alarm symptom in your case.

hope to answer your concern.

it will be pleasure to further clear your doubts.
regards
dr Tayyab Malik

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng